Transcend into love and light consciousness as you retreat to a serene and magnificent place, guided by the use of Ayahuasca.

Are you ready for a one of a kind spiritual and self-healing experience? Nestled in the heart of the lush and verdant Ecuadorian jungle, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro healing and spiritual fulfillment center has a long and proud history of welcoming truth seekers and individuals striving for inner enlightenment from all around the world.

An Authentic Ayahuasca and San Pedro Retreat

While providing essential home comforts such as comfortable lodging and freshly prepared gourmet vegetarian or vegan meals each day, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreat is otherwise one of only a handful of authentic treatment centers in the entirety of South America.

This is because while promoting physical wellness through deliciously prepared (and organic) vegetarian food, we also facilitate travel to genuine Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremony site on the Jurumbaino river surrounded by rain forest. There, our guests are given the opportunity to spend the evening with an authentic local shaman. The next day, you will then be escorted back home in order to rest, reflect and prepare for your next ceremony. Even better, at all times you will be attended to by one of our very own local guides and translators.

How Ayahuasca Heals

Popularly known around the world as a shamanic gateway to the spirit world, Ayahuasca has traditionally been used for thousands of years as a healing medicine also. Made using two indigenous plants Banisteriopsis caapi & Psychotria viridis, Ayahuasca works by promoting massive mental and physical healing responses in the human body.

While different for everybody, no one is ever not deeply affected by Ayahuasca. In like regard, few if any people ever come away from an Ayahuasca ceremony not feeling more spiritually and vitally restored than they did before arriving.

How San Pedro Heals

A lesser known but no less effective healing plant is a cactus called San Pedro. Like Ayahuasca, it has been utilized by Shamans for many thousands of years in shamanic healing ceremonies, and there have been numerous reports of its healing power for cancer, diabetes, and paralysis, as well as for emotional and psychological problems such as depression and grief.

The Biblical Saint Peter, whom the plant was named after, is said to be the holder of the keys to Heaven, and so the name represents an opening of a gateway for us to enter into a dimension where we can experience the world as divine.

Participants are said to be ‘set free from matter’ and ‘engage in flight through cosmic regions… transported across time and distance in a rapid and safe fashion’.

One shaman described its effects as “First, a dreamy state… then great visions, a clearing of all the faculties… then detachment, a type of visual force inclusive of the sixth sense, the telepathic state of transmitting oneself across time and matter, like a removal of thoughts to a distant dimension.”

In this way, San Pedro is said to remove our negative beliefs so the positive ones shine through and we can heal ourselves.

Your Stay at our Ayahuasca and San Pedro Retreat

Due to the powerful nature of such ceremonies, our Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreat focuses on marrying high-quality rest and relaxation periods with intense plant medicine experiences. This is why we provide you with a superb natural setting, intuitive and support staff and high-quality nutrition throughout your stay. We do, after all, want your stay here with us to be just as much a once in a lifetime experience as the Ayahuasca and San Pedro experiences themselves.

Are you ready to discover yourself and experience the physically restorative power of Ayahuasca? If so, make sure to reach out to us today to find out more.

We provide overnight Ayahuasca ceremonies with indigenous Shuar shamans in the Ecudorian rainforest and return the next morning to first class accommodations and a specially prepared Ayahuasca diet. On the days in between ceremonies you can rest and reflect or sight-see and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth. There is the sacred Shuar waterfall La Yantsa, the majestic Sangay volcano, the Upano river, legendary and mysterious Tayos cave, the rainforest and many other displays of nature to experience and enjoy. Have your cleansing, healing, spiritual journey with an incredible shaman and have a relaxing small vacation at the same time and most importantly on an affordable budget.

Shaman Sabio

About The Owner

Hi, my name is Ken Johnson and I moved to Ecuador in 2012. I am retired and came to Ecuador because of affordable cost of living, weather, culture and the incredible ecological diversity. My wife and I have lived in Cuenca, Quito and now we live in Macas. We left Quito for Macas seeking lower altitude, warmer weather and a smaller town. Macas is located in the Oriente from where the Andes descends to where the Amazonian Rainforest begins. It is the most beautiful unspoiled paradise that one can imagine. By fate, I discovered and experienced the miracle of Ayahuasca. It has changed my life and I feel it is my calling to help others experience the miraculous healing and enlightenment of Mother Ayahuasca.

Since I moved to Macas, I have met and worked with four different shamans. I offer an incredible ceremonial location in the rain forest on the banks of the Jurumbaino river. I also offer private or very small group ceremonies at your convenience. No large groups and rigid schedules. You can have a safe, affordable, yet authentic environment and see this very beautiful and amazing part of Ecuador.

This was the best thing I have ever done. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe my appreciation for the people I met and the experience I had, it was magic. I love that you get to stay at a beautiful house in your own private room. I got to choose the days I could come and this is by far the best price that I found. Powerful life changing ceremony, and the couple that you stay with take care of you the whole way. through. They cook you meals, sit with you at the ceremony, take you on tours. I can’t say enough. Ecuador is beautiful I couldn’t recommend it more! ....... Bill from California.

To anyone considering coming here for an Ayahuasca ceremony, I highly recommend it. BUT! There’s a lot to be considered.Translators, guides, a good Shaman, and above all, trust! These people had my life in the palms of their hands. I never would have pulled this off if it weren’t for Ken Johnson...5 stars highly recommended by me....

— Walter from Alabama

This is my first trip to Ecuador and second ceremony. I have to tell you every effort put in by Ken Johnson and his wife, and the shaman and his wife was full of compassion, patience and care. I highly recommend calling Ken if you would like an authentic experience and the land is gorgeous

— Elizabeth Lenaghan from Canada

I just wanted to share my experience. Ken Johnson and I became friends. He’s retired in Ecuador. Do you want to skip all the $3000 culty BS all over Peru? Do you want to skip the dreadlock trustfunders “finding themselves”? The Shaman is the real deal. My Ayahuasca experience consisted of me, Ken, and the Shaman. I am so glad I went with Ken and had his wife Sun to replenish us with home-cooked food and fresh fruit after the ceremonies. Absolutely awesome experience!

— John Yggdrasil from New York City

My husband and I have been there...The Ayahuasca Ceremony is something I will never forget..the Shaman and his family were wonderful and Ken Johnson stayed with us through the entire ceremony. The healing process was awesome!

— Monica Malbrough from Texas

Below is a 4 part You Tube series by Ryan Freeman describing his experience here.

Can’t give a stronger recommendation. I have had much experience with Ayahuasca, and I can say that this is definitely worth it. Ken and Sun were sweethearts who really know how to make one feel comfortable and welcome. The chaman was incredible, and the setting… wow. without words.

The San Pedro ceremony, same… These folks take care of you. San Pedro was the tricky grandfather complement to the firm but loving Ayahuasca mother. First time for me, I got a lot out of the journey. Really great medicine.

I can’t wait to return and share more music with these sweeties!

K Andrews

Absolutely 10/10. You will not find a better place or a better price in South America to go through such a powerful experience.

When I started researching Ayahuasca retreats, I was looking for a place that would keep me safe, be there for me and walk me through whatever I was going to experience, was a smaller group setting, and that was authentic and took ayahuasca very seriously. Many ayahuasca places will say theyare safe and serious, but many fail to offer proper guidance and care and simply look to cash in on those that fail to prepare and research. Many also group you with up to 20 other people and give everyone the medicine. For such a powerful and introspective experience, that type of large group setting did not seem appealing to me at all.

When I first reached out to Ken, he was quick to answer me and gave me multiple phone numbers to reach him at. Any question I had, he would always respond to my emails within a day or two, a great sign to me, it showed me he took this seriously and wanted me to be informed. Ayahuasca is a powerful thing, so I naturally had my cautions and reservations about if I was ready. Ken talked with me, determined I was there for the right reasons, and helped to calm my nerves. He even said if I did not feel comfortable taking the ayahuasca, then that was fine, they would still take me to the site and give some meditations to do. Another great sign- it showed they were not just after my money.

When I arrived in Macas, Ken even got on the phone with a taxi driver for me (because I knew almost no spanish) and told him how to get me to his home. When I met Ken, the immediate air around him is calm, humble, and welcoming. You instantly feel a calm come over you when around him. His home where you stay outside of the ceremonies is very nice, I had my own room, with fast wifi, and a hot shower. If I just wanted to lay on the couch i his living room and watch tv, I was more than welcome to. He greeted me with fresh fruit and an overview of what the next few days would entail. It is so clear and apparent when talking to him that Ken cares so much about each person experiencing the healing and enlightening effects of ayahuasca. He wants nothing but the best for each participant. Then he introduced me to Shaman Sitsack (spelling?) so I knew who would be guiding me on my journey. There was only one of other person staying with Ken while I was there as well, a perfect small group setting. I had someone else participating in the ceremonies with me, but we were both able to be by ourselves, the perfect conditions in my opinion.The ceremony led by the shaman was fascinating and humbling and almost surreal to experience. The location of the ceremony site is amazing. Powerful, yet peaceful. Ken stayed with us the whole night, made sure we were doing ok but without being over bearing. He and the shaman gave us the space we needed and wanted but was always there if we needed him.

Everyone has extremely different experiences with the medicine, even between their own experiences. But it is always what the individual needs at the time. My 2 ceremonies were vastly different experiences.The first was very powerful emotionally. Ken was there for me when I wanted someone to talk to about my experience the next day. He helped me to gather my thoughts and offer explanation to my experience, which helped immensely. He even showed me a great trail to hike in the rain forest that led to a beautiful waterfall where I spent some time on my own to reflect. Also, the meals that were prepared for us were so delicious and harty, while also being in the Ayahuasca diet.

The next day Ken talked with the Shaman about my experience, and the Shaman adjusted my second ceremony accordingly and gave me more guidance for the second session. My second session was still very powerful emotionally, but in a much more peaceful, appreciative way. It was like A huge breath of fresh air mentally and emotionally. I wish I had time for more sessions, but I had a pretty strict timeline for my time in South America. Without a doubt, I will be returning to Ken for other ceremonies.

Ayahuasca In Ecuador is a truly special retreat. They care for you and want nothing more than for you to experience the healing power of ayahuasca in all possible ways. They are wise, loving, and take this seriously, and I cannot recommend them enough.

Austin Miller.... North Carolina

This was my first experience with a healing retreat of this nature. I was thrilled to be IN nature, in this way, in the jungle yet NOT bothered by Jurassic Park sized killer bugs! I found Ken and Sun and Hasan to be kind, patient and understanding hosts and facilitators. Sun was very attentive and caring and really seemed to understand the intricacies of how to use food as a way to support all that I was going through. The experience with both shamans that I worked with reinforced the feeling of professionalism within a high integrity healing environment. The ‘choza’ or healing space was still under construction when I had my 10 day experience yet what I was witnessing in my internal world was distracting from the inconveniences and discomforts that come with delays in construction schedules! I can surmise that once these growing pains are past for them, the lodging will also qualify for a 5 star rating. The setting along the river is certainly 5 stars in my book. I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else for this kind of pivotal experience! While Ayahuasca healing is far from what one could call an “enjoyable” experience, for those with the desire and passion to heal, grow and expand their human experience, it is an invaluable tool for transformation. Personally, I very much look forward to future times with Mother Ayahuasca and returning again someday very soon to Ayahuasca In Ecuador…signed, Dr. L.G. Palermo, chiropractor

I have had the pleasure of staying with Ken and Sun twice now, and I can thoroughly recommend their retreat to anyone who is looking for a truly peaceful and authentic ayahuasca/ San Pedro experience. I will certainly be back again in the near future, and I would not consider undertaking ayahuasca ceremonies anywhere else, as their retreat offers everything I could wish for.

Before I undertook the journey to Ecuador, I did extensive research on different retreats, and what particularly appealed to me with Ken and Sun’s was the very small group sizes, their down to earth attitude and the fact they work with an accredited indigenous Shaman in a natural jungle setting. This was critical for me, as I value my privacy and wished to experience the medicine in the most direct, authentic way possible – without any of the westernised mediation/ activities that come along with most other retreats. Ken and Sun provide an extremely supportive environment with an experienced team, so there is always someone there to help you and discuss things if you need to. However, if you need to be silent and process things alone – and just let the medicine do its work – that is possible too, and from my experience that enabled profoundly healing and joyful experiences, ones that I could not have had if I had been forced to join in group activities, stick to a rigid schedule or have 20-odd other people’s energy getting in the way.

They work with the highly experienced indigenous Shaman Tsentsak, who is quite frankly, a miraculous human being. Tsentsak exudes both deep strength and profound gentleness, and made me feel incredibly safe, so much so that I was able to open up to the medicine without reservation and inhibition. It is critical to take ayahuasca/ San Pedro with a Shaman you can trust, and who has no personal agenda – it is a serious, and oftentimes difficult undertaking, and the quality of one’s experience is directly influenced by the qualities of those around you.

Ken and Sun have secured a beautiful, natural location for the ceremonies, very close to their home. It is a cleared, private grassy area with a traditional ceremony hut – surrounded by jungle, and right next to a rushing river. You undertake the ceremonies with Tsentsak right on the river’s edge (or the hut depending on weather) and then allow the medicine to do its work while you lie back, looking at the stars, sitting by an outdoor fire and listening to the river. When you’re ready, you can then move into the beds in the hut to sleep. I’ve mostly slept outside as for me, the immediate connection to nature has been really important, but again Ken & Sun’s flexibility means that you can do what you need to without someone telling you you have to do things a certain way, or at a certain time. As with the quality of your companions, the quality of the setting profoundly influences the experience, and theirs is just wonderful. I should also mention that there are flushing toilets close by – right next to the hut – which is a blessing when the purgative aspect of the ayahuasca kicks in

As previously mentioned, Ken & Sun keep their group sizes small, which enables a high degree of personal attention, and customisation of your experience. On my first visit I think there were only six of us, and on my last visit – when I took San Pedro for the first time – I was lucky enough to be the only participant. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of a small group size, it really does make a difference. Imagine – just a few people, an amazing Shaman, the medicine, a river and the jungle….it just doesn’t get any better than that.

Well actually it does, when you get to sit down to one of Sun’s delicious vegetarian meals! You get to stay with Ken and Sun in their lovely, comfortable home, in a private room with your own bathroom. And again, there is opportunity for both communion with others should you choose, or privacy, depending on what you need. Sun is a very talented cook, and you will go home deeply nourished in both body and soul.

Ken and Sun are very special, generous people who have chosen to open their hearts and home to those of us seeking what the medicine has to offer. And I am extremely grateful that they have. For me, taking ayahuasca and SanPedro has been a truly life-changing experience, and something that continues to illuminate and enrich my daily, life long after the ceremonies have passed. It is powerful, intense stuff, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ken & Sun’s retreat as a fantastic way to have a truly authentic and supported experience.

Ginny ....... From Australia

A video made by one of our guests. A composite of three day trips into the rainforest and sacred Shuar waterfall La Yantsa. Thanks for sharing, Karthik Thambidurai.

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